Don’t Forget About the Closet Hardware
Closet hardware may be an afterthought when considering an upgrade to your storage systems, but it does impact structural strength as well as add a touch of class if done right. The poles, handles, shelf pins and drawer slides all can impact the look and cost. Here are a few things to consider when discussing your options with a custom storage system expert:
Color
Most storage system providers will offer a few basic colors. Most likely, they will offer up a polished or matte silver as that is by far the most popular. Brass and a dark brown with the industry name of “oil rubbed bronze” are also popular choices. Of course, you can ask them to source handles to match the style of the nearby room’s cabinets or furniture. If you have a child’s room needing bright colors, there are plastic covers for underlying steel that may tie the rest of the room together.
Materials
All modernized storage systems use metal poles of some sorts. They may be steel, plastic coated steel, chrome-plated steel or my favorite, aluminum. Generally the handles and shelf pins will be a matching material to coordinate the look. The aluminum poles are wider (1 5/16″) and have far less weight while carrying as much or more clothing. I would avoid any support material made of plastic as time will take its toll.
Finish
Polished, matte or oil rubbed bronze are your choices for the most part. We use matte finish unless requested as it does not scuff or show any inadvertent scratches. It is rare that any component would show any wear and tear, but matte finish provides a bit more protection. Some inlaid pulls have wide color variations, so make sure it matches the rest of the hardware.
Size
Chrome poles usually are an inch in diameter while aluminum usually is 1 5/16″. The handles range from a minimum of 3″ (to accommodate your hand width) on up to 18″ for the refrigerator look. There is no right or wrong on size. Just insure the handle’s screw separation is no larger than the face you try to attach it to. Consult with your storage professional on the allowable widths for your design.
Style
There are literally tens of thousands different styles of handles, shapes and themes to compliment any whim. I’ve seen starfish, Star Wars and Broadway star samples, so don’t let your imagination limit what you’d like the end result to look like. Hafele, SIRO Design and Keeler are all reputable and have a wide variety to choose from.
If you plan to provide a specialty handle, such as bamboo or oversized lengths, confirm your design can accommodate them and installers have the right tools. Closet Tailors has all of the experience needed to make your closet as personal, so contact them or other storage system professional in your area!
Chuck Hugan